Parameters
backup 
interface
Use this option to configure a redundant Layer 2 link without 
using Spanning Tree. The keywords backup interface 
configures a backup port so that if the primary port fails, the 
backup port changes to the up state. If the primary later 
comes up, it becomes the backup.
gigabit Enter the keyword gigabit if the backup port is a 1G port.
tengigabit Enter the keyword tengigabit if the backup port is a 10G 
port.
fortyGigE Enter the keyword fortyGigE if the backup port is a 40G 
port.
port-channel Enter the keywords port-channel if the backup port is a 
static or dynamic port channel.
slot/port Specify the line card and port number of the backup port.
Defaults Disabled (The interface is in Layer 3 mode.)
Command 
Modes
INTERFACE
Command 
History
This guide is platform-specific. For command information about other platforms, 
refer to the relevant Dell Networking OS Command Line Reference Guide.
The following is a list of the Dell Networking OS version history for this command.
Version 9.0.2.0 Introduced on the S6000.
Version 
8.3.19.0
Introduced on the S4820T.
Version 8.3.11.1 Introduced on the Z9000.
Version 8.5.1.0 Added support for 4-port 40G line cards on ExaScale.
Version 8.4.1.0 Added support for port-channel interfaces (the port-
channel number option).
Version 8.3.7.0 Introduced on the S4810.
Version 8.1.1.0 Introduced on the E-Series ExaScale.
Version 7.7.1.0 Added the backup interface option.
Version 7.6.1.0 Introduced on the S-Series.
Version 7.5.1.0 Introduced on the C-Series.
pre-Version 
6.2.1.0
Introduced on the E-Series.
Usage 
Information
If an IP address or VRRP group is assigned to the interface, you cannot use the 
switchport command on the interface. To use the switchport command on an 
802
Interfaces